Congress has passed the nearly $800 billion economic stimulus package, and alternative fuels and energy saving measures will get nearly $62 billion in spending and another $20 billion in tax credits and bond provisions from the measure that Pres. Obama has promised to sign on Monday. This article from ItsGettingHotinHere.org details how some of the money will be spent: Research, …
MO Legislature Moves Biodiesel Standard… Again
Missouri’s State Senate has moved forward on a measure to require a 5 percent biodiesel mix in every gallon of diesel sold in the state… again. Sen. Bill Stouffer (R-Napton) has once again introduced the measure… and once again, it has passed the Senate Ag Committee. Stouffer has sponsored similar measures in the past but has been unable to get …
Stimulus Bill Has Money for Renewable Energy
Renewable energy could get a share of the nearly $800 billion in the compromise version of the U.S. House and Senate’s economic stimulus bills. This story from CNNMoney has details: The provisions in the bill – a deal hammered out between House and Senate negotiators late Wednesday that still needs to be passed by both chambers – will primarily give …
Biodiesel Board Goes YouTube
Recognizing the power of social marketing Web sites, the National Biodiesel Board has launched a channel on what’s been called the MTV of this generation: YouTube. The new National Board YouTube Channel, available to the 70 million YouTube viewers each month, will give the public credible, helpful and entertaining videos on biodiesel: “Sites like YouTube and Facebook are more than …
Colorado Biodiesel Projects Get State Grants
Two biodiesel projects have garnered $150,000 worth of state grants from the Colorado Agricultural Value Added Development Board… a branch of the state’s Department of Agriculture. Biodiesel Magazine reports the Advancing Colorado’s Renewable Energy… or ACRE… grants will actually help three facilities: In partnership with Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colo., the International Center for Appropriate and Sustainable Technology …
JetBlue Plans to Test Biofuels
In the wake of Air New Zealand, Continental Airlines and Japan Airlines successfully testing biodiesel in their airliners, discount flyer JetBlue has announced it will try biofuels in its Airbus A320-200 by the spring of 2010. This story from Flightglobal.com says the company plans to use non-food feedstocks: Feedstocks being considered for the trial include jatropha, algae, waste forest residues, …
Editorial Defends Minnesota Biodiesel
It’s been nearly a month since some school buses in Minnesota wouldn’t run after temperatures dropped to -20 to -30 degrees F. Commentators such Fox TV’s Glenn Beck derided the state’s 2 percent biodiesel mandate as the cause of the stalled Bloomington school buses… although he offered no explanation why this didn’t happen at EVERY other school district that had …
Virginia Legislature Moves Biodiesel, Renewable Energy Measures
Two bills aimed at helping the renewable energy business in Virginia have advanced in the State Legislature. This story from the Richmond Times-Dispatch says the measures are part of Gov. Timothy Kaine’s eco-friendly “Renew Virginia” and cleared the Virginia Senate: Senate Bill 1146, carried by Sen. Mary Margaret Whipple, D-Arlington, would require the government to purchase diesel fuel for its …
Green Grand Prix Features Speed and Economy
This year’s Green Grand Prix is taking a dual-track in the nation’s premier event featuring alternatively-fueled vehicles. This press release says along with the road rally… the signature event for the grand prix… this 5th rendition at Watkins Glen, New York on May 2, 2009 will also feature a new fuel economy competition: Both road events are open to anyone, …
Biodiesel Jet Truck Makes Its Debut
Saskatchewan-based Prairieland Motorsports has unveiled the world’s first jet-powered biodiesel truck. This picture from the Prairieland Web site is the truck in progress. This story from CanadianDriver.com has details: The truck, named Prairie Gold, was shown at the Manitoba Ag Days in Brandon, and at the Farm Tech Show in Edmonton in January. The body resembles a 2009 Ford F-150 …